A spiritual transformation process

I was initially meant to finish a three-year shamanism course in October, but it has been postponed for a year because of the pandemic. My teacher and her assistant teachers cannot travel from the US and Europe.

The program has nine workshops, three of which are held each year. We completed the fourth workshop by the end of January 2020 and were able to meet in person again last week.

I was uncertain about my path upon joining this program, but I took a leap of faith to step out of my comfort zone. Had I been aware of the transformative journey ahead, I might have hesitated to participate due to fear. Nevertheless, I am thankful for the experience as it has allowed me to enhance my personal growth in various aspects.

Exploring shamanism has led to two outcomes. The initial part of the course focused on fortifying our basics, delving into our growth process from infancy to maturity. Nearly all of us bear emotional scars from our childhood and teenage years, as very few experience an ideal upbringing. Our efforts have been dedicated to addressing and mending these wounds to achieve emotional well-being as adults.

During the program, we engage in exercises to reflect on anything that may have gone wrong during the developmental process, regardless of whether we recall those events. We comprehensively explore the developmental journey, from birth to experiencing love and warmth, learning independence and social interactions, and maturing as healthy adults.

The foundational work is ongoing throughout the course, with the latter part focusing on addressing aspects of our lives that we are prepared to change to bring about transformation. This involves examining the narratives and beliefs we hold about ourselves, the world, and life that are not beneficial to us and releasing them to progress further on our journey.

I have witnessed the transformative impact of this project. The program's participants, including myself, are undergoing various changes. I recently lost my job, prompting me to consider a new path in life. I am at a crossroads, ready to embrace a different approach, even though the exact direction remains uncertain.

Nevertheless, the uncertainty I am experiencing indicates that the transition process is still ongoing. Attending this workshop has taught me the importance of being patient with myself. Transformations require time, particularly in challenging circumstances where a sense of security is necessary to release the past. I discovered that I achieved better results when concentrating on staying calm and allowing events to unfold naturally.

Fortunately, this program, my teachers, and my classmates support me as I progress. I acknowledge that I make great strides in each workshop I attend, and during the intervals, I can focus on self-improvement by practising the exercises recommended by my teachers. Time will pass quickly, and soon, it will be February, bringing with it the next workshop to challenge and propel me forward on this path.